DA chief warns Vietnam's rice industry over PH import ban

Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. warned Vietnam's local rice industry against challenging the Philippines' decision to suspend all rice imports for 60 days.

Laurel urged stakeholders in Vietnam to 'rethink' their plans during a House Committee on Agriculture and Food hearing on Wednesday, August 20, emphasizing that his statement was directed at the local industry rather than the government.

Vietnam's Food Association had requested its trade ministry to challenge the Philippines' decision, which could further decrease Vietnamese rice prices; Laurel clarified that the import ban is a protective measure for local farmers affected by low palay prices as the wet harvest season approaches.

India has shown interest in taking a significant share of Vietnam's market, with Myanmar and Cambodia also expressing willingness to supply rice to the Philippines if relations with Vietnam deteriorate.

The Philippines secured a record-high palay harvest in the first semester of 2025, reaching over 9.077 million metric tons (MT), while Laurel confirmed that extending the import ban to 90 days is possible to help farmers recover during peak harvest season.

Shipping from India would take longer—25-30 days compared to 8-10 days from Vietnam—but could be cheaper for importers, providing alternative sources if necessary.